The Middle School's top 10 "Hands for Haiti" fund-raisers. Back row from left: Becca McIntyre, Natasha Patel, Lydia Myers, Caitlin Connelly and Mackenzie Swarthout. Front row from left: Alisa Hines, Elizabeth Mason, Samuel Hanley, Emma Allington and Brionna White. (Photo provided)

WGMS students raise $1,147 for Haiti

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, March 11 -- Watkins Glen Middle School students recently participated in a “Hands for Haiti “fund-raiser that was coordinated by the school's National Junior Honor Society.

Advisor Cathy Mangus reports that students collected $1,147.50, which they donated to the American Red Cross-Sullivan Trail Chapter.

The Red Cross chapter's Executive Director, Joel Robinson, met with the 10 students who raised the most money. A pizza party and prizes were provided to the winners, and Robinson shared with them how the funds would be used, and thanked them for their support.

Photo in text: National Junior Honor Society treasurer Caitlin Connelly hands "Hands for Haiti" donation check to the Red Cross's Joel Robinson. (Photo provided)

Read for Speed returns to WGES

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 26 -- Students, start your reading!

Watkins Glen International dropped the green flag on this year’s “Read for Speed” reading program at Watkins Glen Elementary School during a recent assembly.

The elementary school began its sixth year as part of the program on Monday, Feb. 22. The program, which offers gift certificates from area businesses, exclusive track access and unique opportunities at the track as rewards for reading comprehension, will run until May 14th.

Watkins Glen International initially launched the Read for Speed program at WGES in 2005. Students read over 24,000 books in 2009, and as a reward they had Principal Rodney Weeden dress in a pickle costume and then got the opportunity to “sink” him in a dunk tank at the end of the school year.

Aside from tickets to the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen or Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen weekends, WGES students will be awarded gift certificates from Friendly’s restaurant at the Arnot Mall in Big Flats, McDonald’s restaurants in Elmira and Watkins Glen, Johnny’s Bowling Lanes in Watkins Glen and Rossi Lanes in Elmira, and swimming passes to the Harris Hill Pool and Park Station Waterfront.

“We are now in our sixth year of running 'Read for Speed' here at Watkins Glen Elementary," said Weeden. "We just had our start-up assembly with the students, and the students seem very psyched to start the competition. Positive reinforcement of reading is not only supported by the educational staff, but by the parents and local business community. The program has become just as much a part of the culture of our school as racing has to the Watkins Glen community.”

The “fastest” classes at Watkins Glen Elementary will be rewarded for their reading with a bus trip to The Glen in June prior to the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen. Students will be treated to three laps around the historic road course behind a pace car and head over to the FrontStretch Grandstand to eat lunch and be treated to ice-cream cake provided by Perry’s Ice Cream.

The program also features a reading “Pit Stop” in April where individual classrooms can play racing games, hang out with Read for Speed mascot Max Traxx, check out the Official WGI Pace Car, and get their picture taken with The Glen’s NASCAR Nationwide Series show car.

Photo in text: Read for Speed mascot Max Traxx (File photo)

'Skate for Haiti' canceled by the weather

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 25 -- A Watkins Glen High School Student Council, Interact and Diversity club-sponsored "Skate for Haiti" scheduled for today (Thursday, Feb. 25) from 3 to 5:30 p.m. has been canceled by the weather.

The clubs had invited Watkins Glen Middle School students for an afternoon of fun for $5.00 at the Watkins Glen Community Center. All proceeds were to be used to help victims of the earthquake in Haiti.  

Mychack named to Dean's List at Buffalo

BUFFALO, Feb. 20 -- Aaron Mychack, a former Watkins Glen High School student, has been named to the Dean's List for the fall semester at the University of Buffalo.

Mychack, son of Timothy and Lydia Mychack of Ithaca, is majoring in Biological Sciences and is carrying a grade-point-average above 3.9.

Production firm visits WGMS to record Verizon infomercial

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 23 -- A production crew was on hand Monday at the Watkins Glen Middle School and was scheduled to be present again today (Tuesday), talking to students and teachers on camera for a Verizon infomercial.

The subject of the infomercial is an innovative program at the Middle School: the use by students of Verizon Mobile Learning Devices (MLDs) for instruction.

In December, students in the 5th and 7th grades received MLDs -- Verizon smart phones loaded with instructional software. For this pilot project, the district is working with GoKnow! software, which offers interactive learning programs designed specifically for cell phones. Using GoKnow!, students have only pre-set applications available, limited Internet access and are not able to make calls or text except with their teacher.

The phones are synched with a teacher’s computer each morning, which gives teachers access to everything students have done on their phones in the past 24 hours.

After having undergone an initial training period, students now use their MLDs to complete and submit homework assignments, research topics on the Internet and communicate with their teachers. They also can take pictures and record short video clips as part of homework assignments.

Watkins Glen is the first district in New York State to use the program. Districts in Texas, Ohio and Michigan are already using phones in class.

According to Superintendent Tom Phillips, the district is funding the program through GST BOCES, so more than 70 percent of the cost will be refunded in BOCES aid.

Photos in text: Middle School students open their MLDs as the devices were distributed in December; and a closeup of one of the MLDs.

Hoppe named to Dean's List at Wilkes U.

WILKES-BARRE, Pa., Feb. 17 -- Jesse Hoppe of Hector has been named to the Wilkes University Dean's List for the Fall 2009 semester, the school has announced.

According to University Provost Reynold Verret, students must obtain a minimum 3.4 GPA and carry at least 12 credits to be named to the Dean’s List.

4 teachers earn national certification

Special to The Odessa File

The number of nationally-certified teachers in the area has risen to 19 with the addition of four who were recently certified through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

National certification is a rigorous, optional, year-long process that requires candidates to prepare a portfolio of their work with students, colleagues, families and the community. In addition to the portfolio, candidates must take written tests in their content area.

The four newest teachers and their certification areas are Jill Edwards, Exceptional Needs Specialist, and Amanda Mace, Middle Childhood Generalist, at Broadway Elementary School (Elmira); Kaz Estelow, Career and Technical Education Teacher at Watkins Glen High School; and Susanna Seip, Chemistry Teacher at Corning West High School.

They were mentored by Diane Huggler, a nationally-certified history teacher at Corning West High School, in a program sponsored by the Schuyler-Chemung-Tioga/Corning Teacher Center, which is located at the GST BOCES Bush Campus and directed by Jenny Dean.

Photo in text: Front (left to right): Sue Seip and Kaz Estelow. Back (left to right): Jill Edwards and Diane Huggler. Missing: Amanda Mace. (Photo provided)

Tooth Fairy visits Head Start

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Feb. 9 -- Schuyler Head Start recently participated in the Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) program.

Children were given new toothbrushes, toothpaste and classroom activities that focued on healthy activities. This American Dental Association (ADA)-sponsored oral health event was launched to combat what the U.S. Surgeon General in 2000 called “a silent epidemic” of dental disease and to encourage parents, health professionals, policymakers and everyone who cares about children to address this important health issue.

Did you know that tooth decay is the most common chronic disease affecting American children, five times more common than asthma? More commonly, severe tooth decay greatly restricts children’s daily activities and results in the loss of many millions of hours of classroom time each year.

The ADA recommends that children see a dentist no later than their first birthday; however, less than half (48-percent) of children entering kindergarten have seen a dentist within the past year, and more than half (52-percent) of children ages 6 to 8 have tooth decay, according to the Healthy People 2010 oral health update.

The Glen Theater also helped get the word out by showing The Tooth Fairy movie as a fundraiser to help support Schuyler Head Start.

Photo in text: The Tooth Fairy with Headstart kids. (Photo provided)

The WGHS Senior Class, adorned in blue, was declared the Color Wars winner.

Class spirit shines at Color Wars

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 6 -- Class spirit was on colorful display Friday in the Watkins Glen High School Field House.

The school's four classes -- adorned in class colors of blue (seniors), maroon (juniors), silver (sophomores) and white (freshmen) -- competed for the championship of the annual Color Wars.

The gathering, emceed by principal Dave Warren, featured a Tug of War, plenty of cheering, colorful decorations, and painted bodies.

The senior class -- which won the Tug of War by defeating the sophomores and then the juniors (who had dispatched the freshmen) -- was ultimately declared the day's winner.

And, naturally, its members responded with more loud cheers.

Photos in text: Noisemakers -- both of the vocal and other kinds -- were in evidence.

Left: Sophomores Hannah Pastrick, left, and Logan VanNordstrand. Right: Freshmen Mikaela Suddaby, left, and Katrina Swarthout.

Left: Juniors Kendra Shaw, left, and Kirsten Burge. Right: Freshman Kayli Westervelt.

Juniors strain in the Tug of War, won by the seniors.

Watkins Glen Middle School students at a work bee that kicked off the "Hands for Haiti" effort. (Photo provided)

NJHS conducts 'Hands for Haiti' drive

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 2 -- The 8th grade National Junior Honor Society chapter at the Watkins Glen Middle School is spearheading a school-wide "Hands for Haiti" charity drive.

The student body is selling paper hands for $1, with each buyer writing his or her name on it. "We are covering the windows of the middle school to show our and the community's support for the relief efforts in Haiti," said a school spokesperson, who noted that all funds raised will go to the American Red Cross.

Middle School students will be at the upcoming Watkins Glen High School basketball games on Feb. 8 and 9 promoting hand sales.

WGHS student wins VFW award

Special to Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 31 -- Devon Crispell, a Watkins Glen High School senior, was presented with a framed certificate and a check at an awards dinner held at VFW Post 2250 in Hornell on Sunday, Jan. 24.

The dinner honored VFW scholarship winners for the Southern Tier County Council, at which Crispell placed 2nd in the Voice of Democracy (VOD) contest. He had previously been awarded 1st place at the post level by the Watkins Glen VFW Post 2674, as well as 2nd place for District 5, Department New York.

Other honorees who attended the dinner included Dominic Matacale, a senior at Hornell Senior High School, who won 1st place in the Council VOD contest. Justice Woodward and Megan Daniels, both 6th graders from Hornell, were awarded 1st and 2nd places, respectively, in the Patriot’s Pen contest for middle-school students.

The Voice of Democracy Scholarship Contest is for youths in grades 9-12. They write and record a 3-5 minute audio essay on the topic of the year. The Patriot's Pen Scholarship Contest is for youths in grades 6-8. They write a 300-400 word essay on the topic of the year.

The 2009-10 theme was “Does America Still Have Heroes?” The theme for 2010-11 should be announced in March. Anyone interested in entering can contact their local VFW or Ladies Auxiliary or visit www.vfw.org for information.

Photo in text: From left, Devon Crispell, Dominic Matacale, Megan Daniels, and Justice Woodward. (Photo provided)

Richardson on Dean's List at Canisius

BUFFALO, Jan. 22 -- Katie L. Richardson, a graduate of Watkins Glen High School, has been named to the Canisius College Dean's List for distinguished academic achievement during the Fall 2009 semester.

Richardson, daughter of Tom and Peggy Richardson of Watkins Glen, is a Psychology major. She is currently enrolled in a study abroad in Florence, Italy.

From left, Michaela Suddaby, Amelia Stamp and Mariah Brisbois portray Eleanor of Aquitaine and King Henry II and King Louis VII (both of Eleanor's husbands).

Students conduct Talking Wax Museum

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 22 -- The 9th Grade Humanities classes of Watkins Glen High School teachers Kate LaMoreaux and Marie Fitzsimmons held their annual Talking Wax Museum Friday in the lobby outside the high school office.

As the culminating event of their study of the feudal period, students portrayed characters such as Eleanor of Aquitaine, King Arthur, Joan of Arc, Christine de Pizan and more.

Students dressed in costume and memorized short speeches that offered museum visitors an overview of the historical and fictional significance of their characters.

Photo in text: Katrina Swarthout, left, and Sarah Hazlitt portray Lady Chiyome and one of the Japanese martial artists in Chiyome's famed kunoichi (or "deadly flower") organization. (Photos were provided by Marie Fitzsimmons)

Left: Josh Teeter as St. Patrick. Right: Sarah Wickham as Hildegarde of Bingen

Sarah LaMascus as Amaterasu, a Japanese Sun Goddess

Left: Tyler Issacs as King Arthur. Right: Kyle Beebe, left, and Jesse Teeter as Knights.

Left: Diner Haleigh Wixson and server Thomas Wickham, a member of the host swim team. Right: Cam Fitch, a swim-team member, performs during Tuesday's dinner.

Swimmers draw hungry crowd to dinner

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 20 -- It was chili time Tuesday night in the Watkins Glen High School cafeteria.

A fund-raising dinner -- featuring meat and vegetarian chili along with bread, rolls, muffins, and various desserts -- was put on by the WGHS boys varsity swim team to help finance costs involved in its program.

The effort drew a large crowd on a busy night at the school. At the far end of the building, the School Board was conducting a workshop, while basketball was being played down a couple of hallways from the cafeteria, in the Field House.

Photo in text: The Watkins Glen boys varsity swim team manager, Abby Cocca, ladles some chili into a bowl at the start of Tuesday's dinner.

Head Start gets a boost on reading

Schuyler Head Start recently was the recipient of 143 free books from Barnes and Noble. Head Start officials said they would be presenting each child with a book to keep as their own.

(Photo provided)

Three students at Watkins Glen Elementary School hold ropes as part of a Magic Rope Trick performed by Karvell the Magician. (Photo provided)

Magician urges drug-free lifestyle

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 13 -- Karvel the Magician provided a timely and entertaining message Monday to students at elemenary schools in Watkins Glen and Odessa.

“There Is NO Magic in Drugs,“ he told students in programs presented at both the Watkins Glen Elementary School and the Hanlon Elementary School in Odessa.

The magic-filled assemblies captured the attention of the 4th and 5th graders, and created a fun learning atmosphere, while sharing a powerful message on the risks, dangers and realities of drugs and alcohol.

Karvell also encouraged and empowered students to choose to live a drug-free lifestyle with the magic words "Yes I Can."

The assemblies were sponsored by Schuyler Hospital.

Photo in text: Karvell performs a Magic Chain Trick with the help of two students. (Photo provided)

6 students attend leadership conference

Special to The Odessa File

ODESSA, Jan. 2 -- Six Odessa-Montour High School Student Council representatives recently attended the 22nd annual conference of the New York State Council of Leadership and Student Activities at the Saratoga Hilton in Saratoga Springs.

Students attending were Sam Capozzi, Nicole Colunio, Tim Markley, Ashley McLean, Jessica Rhodes and Taylor Thoman. At the conference, Markley was voted District 9 Student Representative and will help plan next year's conference in Buffalo.

Participants attended workshops with student council representatives from across the state on topics including spirit building, fund-raising and community service. They also listened to motivational speakers who addressed issues such as bullying.

"The conference was fun," said Rhodes. "We had a chance to listen to what activities kids do at schools smaller than ours and in big city schools, too." Thoman added that the conference was a good opportunity to get exciting ideas to bring back to O-M.

Photo in text:

From left: Jessica Rhodes, Ashley McLean, Nicole Colunio, Tim Markley, Taylor Thoman and Advisor Holly Faulk. Missing from the photo was Sam Capozzi. (Photo provided)

Students donate to Schuyler food pantry

Third-graders at Watkins Glen Elementary School proudly display items they’ve collected for the Catholic Charities food pantry in Schuyler County. Students brought in donations for the pantry in lieu of a holiday gift exchange this year. (Photo provided)

Emily Pazar performs ballet to the music of You Belong To Me.

Talent abounds at WGHS holiday show

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 24 -- Songs, dance numbers, comedy, juggling and social commentary alternated on the stage of the Watkins Glen High School auditorium Wednesday afternoon at the school's 8th annual pre-Christmas talent show.

The event, with about 20 acts on its card, opened with a talk by three femaile students about the scourge of AIDS, and segued quickly from there to song and dance. According to one source, event organizers ran out of time before all of the scheduled acts could perform; thus the show will be completed at the next available school day.

Among the acts in the show, a dozen were showcasing singing talents. There were a couple of comedians, a juggler, and dance numbers that ranged from ballet to a group performing to Michael Jackson's Thriller.

The show started with videos prepared by various students. For the first time, talent show judges were awarding a separate video award, with part of the criteria being crowd appeal -- the enthusiasm of the audience reaction.

Photo in text: Shannon Hazlitt had the crowd clapping along as she sang Winter Wonderland.

Left: Jillian Naylor sings Taylor Swift's Fifteen. Right: Comedian Charlie Teeter.

Sarah LaMascus sings as part of the school's Mixed Select Chorus rendition of Don't Stop Believing. She also was performing later in a solo act.

Left: Devon Crispell performs some pointed juggling maneuvers. Right: Brenton Whiting sings Bob Dylan's You Ain't Going Nowhere.

Brittany Johnson, foreground, and Lakayla Sly sing Second Chance.

Korina Elwood, left, and Michelle Denmark sing Waking Up in Vegas.

Left: Sarah Bond sings Shattered. Right: Erik Ellison and the Scoop Shop Girls dance to Michael Jackson's Thriller.

Left: Cam Fitch sings Wagon Wheel. Right: Eva Starkweather performs a number.

A couple of flutists play Good King Wenceslas with the rest of the 5th Grade Band.

Hanlon concert celebrates the holidays

ODESSA, Dec. 17 -- The annual Hanlon Elementary School Holiday Concert was held Wednesday night in the Fetter-Brown Auditorium at the high school -- an event celebrating the season of giving.

Fourth and fifth grade choruses and a fifth grade band entertained a large crowd of family and friends with various Christmas-time music.

The Fourth Grade Chorus opened with Ring, Ring, Sing, Sing and followed with Wintertide, Beautiful December and New Year's Resolutions.

The Fifth Grade Band performed Good King Wenceslas, My Dreydl, Jolly Old St. Nicholas and Jingle Bells.

The Fifth Grade Chorus sang Deck the Halls, We Need A Little Christmas, What You Gonna Call Your Pretty Little Baby, and Happy Holiday/White Christmas.

The students performed the same numbers in an afternoon concert before fellow students -- a warmup for the evening. The pictures here are from the afternoon session.

Choral Director was Kim Caldwell, while Michelle Voorheis was Band Director. Mrs. Sally Michel was accompanist.

Photos in text:

Top: Members of the Fourth Grade Chorus sing under the direction of Kim Caldwell.

Bottom: Members of the horn section in the Fifth Grade Band directed by Michelle Voorheis.

Members of the 5th Grade Chorus perform one of their songs.

Kim Caldwell directs the Fourth Grade Chorus.

Members of the Watkins Glen girls varsity basketball team gathered for a photo at the semiformal. From left are Brittany Popovich, Haley Tuttle, Kirsten Burge, Taylor Chaffee, Jordan Myers, Shelby Olafson, Angela Keough, Jessica Stansfield and Chelsea Lehman.

Watkins holds its semiformal

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 13 -- The annual semiformal dance at Watkins Glen High School was held Saturday night in the school cafeteria.

Young ladies dressed in stunning gowns and young men dressed in a gamut running from casual garb to striking suits were on display, and posing for the camera.

The photos on this page depict some of those poses, along with some candids.

Note: The following were named royalty of the semiformal:

King: Frank Cady
Queen: Cassie Cole
Prince: Andrew Conklin
Princess: Meg Bartow-Cannon
Duke: Hunter Arcangeli
Dutchess: Angela Keough
Count: Billy Brennan
Countess: Mikaela Suddaby

Members of the High School chorus perform under the direction of Christopher Schiavone.

WGHS holiday concert a hit

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 11 -- Watkins Glen High School instrumentalists and vocalists put on a lively musical show for friends, family and faculty Thursday night at the school's annual Holiday Concert in the WGHS auditorium.

The high school Jazz Band, Flute Ensemble, Chorus, Select Chorus and Concert Band performed, often to the delight of the sizable crowd on hand.

Among the musical numbers were Jingle-Bell Rock (by the Jazz Band), Deck the Halls (Flute Enemble), Everything's Alright, White Christmas and O Holy Night (Chorus), Don't Stop Believin' (Select Chorus), and Carol of the Bells, Mozart's Symphony in G minor and Wonderful Christmastime (the Concert Band).

Photo in text: Some members of the Chorus.

The flute section performs in the Concert Band portion of the concert.

Left: Abby Cocca performs as part of the Flute Ensemble. Right: Director Christopher Schiavone directs singers Stacey Teed, center, and Taryn Hayes.

Horn players perform as part of the Concert Band.

Brenton Whiting and Ashlee Johnston were among Select Chorus soloists.

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Sally Michel served as accompanist for the Chorus.

Cameron Fitch, left, and Braedan Fitch were among the performers.

Hours of Public Operation for the track and Fitness Center at the Field House

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 8 -- In an attempt to clarify the Watkins Glen High School Field House's indoor track and fitness center public-access schedule, the district has issued the following usage timetable:

Academic Year Hours (September-June):

Monday through Friday: 6:00-7:15 a.m. and 5:00-9:00 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Summer Hours (July & August):

Mondaty through Friday: 6:00-11:00 a.m. and 5:00-9:00 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

The hours are subject to change in order to ensure availability for district- and student-centered activities. Changes will be posted on the Field House door. Every attempt will be made to minimize changes to the Seneca Fitness Center hours of operation.

The Seneca Fitness Center will be closed on school holidays, and on days that school is closed, delayed or let out early due to inclement weather.

Soldier visits Watkins 5th-grade class

Special to The Odessa File

Specialist Andrew Kelly of the 37th Engineer Battalion from Fort Bragg, North Carolina visited his brother Jake’s fifth-grade class at Watkins Glen Middle School on Nov. 30.

Andrew, a 2005 graduate of Watkins Glen High School, was home from Iraq for Thanksgiving. He talked to the students about his training and the importance of doing well in school.

The fifth-grade class will be exchanging letters with Andrew’s battalion beginning in January. Andrew will return in the spring to talk with the class again.

Photo in text: The fifth-grade class, with Andrew and Jake in the center. (Photo provided)

From left: Devon Crispell, Taryn Hayes and Cameron Fitch. (Photos provided)

3 at WGHS win public-speaking contest

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 2 -- Three Watkins Glen High School seniors have been named winners of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars chapter's 2009 Voice of Democracy Patriotic Audio Essay Competition.

The contest, which is designed to foster patriotism, allows each student the opportunity to voice his or her opinion in a three- to five-minute speech written in response to an annual theme. The theme of the 2009 essay was: “Does America Still Have Heroes?”

Watkins Glen senior Devon Crispell was awarded $300 for first place. Taryn Hayes was awarded $200 for second place, and third- place winner Cameron Fitch received $100.

Left: Students at the retirement celebration. Right: Liz Paradiso with a farewell bouquet.

Admirers say farewell to Liz Paradiso

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 30 -- The recent retirement of longtime Watkins Glen High School Nurse Liz Paradiso was marked by an emotional gathering of admirers -- students, teachers and administrators -- in the high school auditorium.

The photos here were snapped at that event by Maggie Edgley, the school's Library Media Specialist.

*****

Photo at right: Liz with High School Principal Dave Warren.

Teacher Sam Brubaker and Liz. (Photos by Maggie Edgley)

Glen 8th graders visit BOCES campus

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 27 -- Watkins Glen eighth-graders recently spent a day exploring the GST BOCES Bush Campus. Their visit served a dual purpose. First, students practiced some of the skills they have learned in their Adventure Based Learning (ABL) program at the Middle School during a visit to BOCES’ Adventure Course. Then, students toured technical education classrooms on campus to see the types of career training that are available at BOCES.

On the Adventure Course, groups of students were challenged to use their teamwork and problem-solving skills. One activity was aimed at moving students from one end to the other of a telephone pole without losing their balance or touching the ground. According to Lisa Panzarella, an Adventure Based Learning instructor at BOCES, the students worked on the challenge for nearly an hour.

“They were constantly encouraging each other as they worked through the process,” she said.

After completing the activity, students took a few minutes to evaluate their performance. They acknowledged their need for better communication, but were proud of their teamwork and encouragement. “I don’t like to brag, but I think we did a good job,” said student Zachary Teed.

Adventure Based Learning is an activities-based program that teaches skills such as teamwork, problem-solving and self-esteem. According to Panzarella, Watkins Glen Middle School has a unique relationship with the BOCES staff in the process. During the summer of 2008, several staff members spent two days training with BOCES' ABL staff. This training enables them to work with BOCES staff members to lead ABL problem-solving activities at the school.

Watkins Glen ELA Teacher Sandy Bartone said an important component of the program is the Full Value contract, which students developed and signed earlier this year. This contract outlines standards for behavior that the students themselves identified and agreed to, and also commits them to challenging themselves and encouraging their peers.

“The contract is very important for focusing their decision-making on appropriate behavior,” Bartone said. “It’s an unbelievable way to teach appropriate behavior and leadership skills. Leaders come forward and bring the rest of the group up. Trust grows among the students throughout the year and extends to the classroom.’

“It’s the best tool we’ve ever had for teaching positive behavior,” she said.

According to Billie Bauman, district administrator, the ABL program at the Middle School has been an overwhelming success during its first two years. Although the program originally was a grant-funded pilot, it is now embedded in the eighth-grade curriculum.

Following their activities on the Adventure Course, students visited classrooms on the BOCES campus to learn about the types of career training that would be available to them in their junior and senior years of high school. They concluded their tour of classrooms with a visit to BOCES’ Aviation Program at the Wings of Eagles.

The day’s events were organized by the Career Development Council and eighth-grade teachers.

Photos in text:

Top: From left, Watkins Glen eighth-graders Rachael Miller, Caitlin Connelly, Zach Teed and Larissa Stimmerman use teamwork and encouragement to complete a challenge on the BOCES Adventure Course.

Bottom: From left, Dustin Rider and Nate Beaumont study an engine during a recent visit to BOCES’ auto mechanics classroom. (Photos provided)

Freshmen honored at WGHS breakfast

WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 24 -- Eight Watkins Glen High School freshmen were honored Tuesday morning at a breakfast in the school cafeteria for their school performances in the first 10-week period of the school year -- an extension of the school's Freshman Academy program that helps prepare incoming 9th graders for high school life.

The families of the students were present, and a certificate was presented to each honoree by Kai D'Alleva, one of the Freshman Academy teachers. Other teachers were present as well.

Four of the students were chosen after the first five weeks of the school year, and four after the second five-week period.

Photo in text: The honorees, from left, are Abigail Cocca, Amanda Scotchmer, Michael Olmstead, Jason Morris, Brandon Swartz, Homer Wixson, Chelsea Kennard and Mackenzie Congdon. (Photo provided)

King Arthur Lewis does some trick dribbling during player introductions.

Wizards dazzle crowd at the Field House

WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 24 -- The Harlem Wizards basketball show team put on quite a show Monday night, entertaining a large crowd in the Watkins Glen High School Field House and easily dispatching a lineup of school faculty and staff members.

The Wizards -- who appeared at the Field House last November with a different roster (the team has 20 players, six of whom were on hand Monday) -- defeated the Slammin' Senecas by a scoreboard count of 96-88, although the casual observer would have sworn that the 88 was padded with some points added electronically midway through the third quarter.

In any event, this was not about competition so much as entertainment -- although the Senecas' Travis Durfee, Trevor Holland, Justin Mucitelli and some others clearly relished the opportunity to score against the oh-so-tall and oh-so-talented Wizards.

The Wizards -- sinking an assortment of twisting dunks and trick shots, and clearly enjoying themselves -- interacted with the crowd, bringing play to a halt in each quarter to act out predetermined bits. One, for instance, involved a female fan's purse that ended up in a Wizard's possession on the floor. The woman, a good sport, eventually was brought down to the court to reclaim it.

There was a big halftime production where the kids in the Field House mobbed the court to participate in some dance and calisthenic moves led by a pair of Wizards. And there was an entertaining halftime contest led by Dwayne "Swoop" Simpson in which young contestants were eliminated one by one as each dropped a pass from Simpson -- until only one remained..

The generous Wizards occasionally handed the ball to a Seneca shooter for a second attempt after a missed shot, and good naturedly referred to player (and Elementary School Principal) Rod Weeden as Bill Clinton -- for there is a strong resemblance. In addition to Weeden, and the above-mentioned Durfee, Holland and Mucitelli, players for the Senecas included Peg Cleary, Jamie Pokerwinski, Jessica Purpura, Colin Pritchard, Kristen Field, Craig Heath, Sam Brubaker, Nils Watson, Jeff Learn, Chris Clark, Michelle Simiele and High School Principal Dave Warren. Serving in a coaching capacity was Middle School Principal Kristine Somerville.

The Senecas also had cheerleaders -- Kim Suddaby, Casey Doane, Margaret Swinnerton, Kiera Cooley, Stacey Mallette and Taylor Hughey.

The Wizards had some fun at the expense of the good-natured referee -- School Superintendent Tom Phillips, who was rather theatrically given a referee's shirt by a Wizard just before the start of the game (with the R backwards in "Ref"), and who subsequently received a couple of powdered palm prints slapped on his backside by a Harlem player. "You're the worst referee ever!" exclaimed a microphoned Wizard late in the game, to substantial laughter by Phillips and the crowd.

It was, in short, all in good fun, and the crowd loved it, gathering around the Wizards after the game to pose with them for photos and to get their autographs.

The Harlem Wizards basketball show team was formed in 1962 and has played more than 6,000 games in the U.S. and abroad. Monday's event was organized by the Watkins Glen Parent-Teacher Association to raise funds to support classroom activities.

Photos in text: The Slammin Senecas' Dave Warren moves the ball upcourt; "Swoop" Simpson with contestants in a halftime contest; Simpson, carrying the ball and a purse, confronts the Senecas' Rod Weeden.

Left: The 50-50 payout was $114. Right: The Wizards' T.J. "Tomahawk" Stukes.

Left: The Senecas' Travis Durfee drives to the hoop. Right: Nils Watson tries to defend against the Wizards' King Arthur Lewis.

Kids gather on the court at halftime.

Left: WGHS students Haley Tuttle (left) and Hannah Pastrick were among the spectators. Right: Alum Samantha Johnson was on hand.

.

Left: Rod Weeden joined the cheerleaders for a pregame cheer. Center. The Wizards' Joey "Fast Break" Britto slams the ball through the hoop. Right: The Senecas' Justin Mucitelli.

Left: Superintendent Tom Phillips was the referee. Right: Cassie Wait and Jessica Brogdon.

Left: King Arthur Lewis leads some delighted kids in a dance and exercise routine during halftime. Right: The Slammin' Senecas had cheerleaders on hand to encourage them.

Left: The Senecas' Jessica Purpura prepares to launch a shot. Right: Jeff Learn shoots.

The Wizards' Ron "Skycam" Ferguson hands a spinning basketball over to a fan, who kept it spinning for several seconds.

Pazar attends Young Leaders Conference

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 21 -- Emily Pazar, a junior at Watkins Glen High School, recently returned from a week-long leadership conference in Washington, DC. Pazar was nominated to attend the conference by her history teacher, Marie Fitzsimmons.

The six-day National Young Leaders Conference was held at the 4H Conference Center and other sites in Washington. Pazar was one of only 313 students attending this international event.

According to Pazar, the week’s curriculum led participants through simulations of the three branches of the United States government in action. The first simulation involved the Executive branch responding to an international crisis. The second scenario walked students through a Supreme Court case tried earlier this year. The final simulation, and the most interesting to Pazar, was a model Congress held at the Department of the Interior.

During that simulation, Pazar served on a committee as the Chairperson of the United States Institute of Peace.

“I got a deep understanding of how Congress works and how our government actually runs,” she said.

The conference also included an all-access tour of Capitol Hill, Pazar said. During that tour, she was able to meet with local representatives and had access to the floor of the House of Representatives.

“It was an incredible moment,” she said of her visit to the House. “I kept thinking of all of the people who had been in that room before us and how lucky I was to be there.”

Pazar also gained a new understanding of the role of her local representatives during her visit.

“I was struck by how accessible they really are. If we have a problem, it’s our duty to call our Congressman. They are there and want to hear your concerns and work with you.’”

The conference also allowed students to tour Georgetown, the Library of Congress and all of the sites along the National Mall.

Pazar also recently learned that she took third place in the Lincoln Fellowship of Pennsylvania essay contest, “What the Gettysburg Address Means to Me.”

“My family history is tangled up in the Civil War,” she said. “My mother’s family is from the Gettysburg area. We’ve had family reunions on the battlegrounds. This was definitely an essay I could write. I had a hard time keeping it under 500 words.”

Pazar won a $100 cash award in the contest.

Photo in text: Emily Pazar (Photo provided)

The turkeys, lined up and waiting for the raffle.

Turkey & gift raffle sparks holiday cheer

WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 15 -- A tradition of fun and giving continued Friday at Watkins Glen High School.

Teachers and staff, as in years past, gathered in the classroom of Marie Fitzsimmons for a turkey and gift raffle -- a pre-Thanksgiving gathering full of laughter and camaraderie that was started in the early 1990s by teachers Craig Cheplick and the late Mike Watson.

"Mike liked the holidays," said Cheplick, who still organizes the event. "He was that kind of guy."

Twenty turkeys and three hams were purchased this year for the raffle from money taken in through the sale of raffle tickets. A person winning any of those 23 items did not have to be present to win.

Items raffled immediately beforehand required the winner to be present in order to claim his or her prize. They included items donated to the cause by various teachers and departments in the school. Shirts, sweatpants, food items, toys, gift certificates and a book were among the treasures. Each was delivered with good-natured kidding by Cheplick.

Of the big prizes -- the turkeys -- he said they have always proved popular at this gathering.

"They're a lot better than peanut butter sandwiches," he said, smiling.

Photo in text: Cragi Cheplick with one of the prizes he was raffling off.

Left: Teacher Kelly Muir claims one of the turkeys. Right: Abby Tormey with a prize she won in the raffle.

O-M students focus on cancer awareness

ODESSA, Nov. 12 -- The Odessa-Montour High School Interact Club -- a Rotary-affiliated organization -- took part in a series of events in October while sponsoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the school.

Events included a visit from Bob Riter, associate director of the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes, who visited Health, Parenting and Current Issues in Science classes to present cancer information and answer students' questions.

Students also participated in the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes Walk-a-thon at Cass Park in Ithaca. Team O-M was comprised of members of the Interact Club, Student Council and Honor Society along with O-M cheerleaders. The group was led by advisors Michele Beck, Holly Faulk, Megan Bowen and Amber Butler.

Students Phil Smith and Sam Capozzi and advisor Butler ran in an accompanying 5K race, with Capozzi earning a certificate. Team O-M raised more than $700 in donations.

Photo in text: O-M group that participated in the Walk-a-thon. (Photo provided)

Bake Sale a success

The Odessa-Montour chapter of SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) held a fund-raising Bake Sale recently outside the Tompkins Trust Company on Main Street in Odessa. A spokesperson said the event raised about $200 to help SADD spread its message. Among those participating, above, was O-M student Ashley Bryington.

Freshmen ruled in the Tug of War, defeating the sophomores in a semifinal and the juniors in the final. But the faculty was able to defeat them in a bonus round.

WG Spirit Week leads to Pep Assembly

WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 7 -- Watkins Glen High School students gathered in the Field House Friday afternoon for a Pep Assembly that brought Spirit Week in the school to a crescendo -- with each class competing in various events and for bragging rights.

In the end, after a deafening cheering competition and after tugs of war, an obstacle-course race and other events judged by faculty, the sophomores and juniors ended up tying for top honors.

But the cheers and the competitiveness weren't the end of Spirit Week. That comes with the annual Powder Puff football game on the athletic field tonight (Saturday) at 7 p.m.

*****

Photo at right: WGHS senior Samantha Riley wore her graduation year on her face -- one of many students adorned with paint at the pep rally.

Left: The sophomore class cuts loose with a cheer. Right: Teacher Travis Durfee helps the faculty win a Tug of War.

Glen Middle School wins energy grant

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 4 -- Watkins Glen Middle School recently was one of 18 organizations to be awarded a renewable energy and energy efficiency training and education grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission. The school will receive $44,996 to fund its EcoSMART project, according to the ARC website.

Using the funds, the district will establish a teaching and learning laboratory at the Middle School using a hybrid solar and wind-powered system. The district will purchase a 3-kilowatt solar photovoltaic unit and a 2.4-kilowatt wind turbine that will be installed on the roof of Watkins Glen Middle School. The hybrid system will generate 5,000 kWh of electricity that will be grid-tied and integrated into the building’s municipal power supply.

Data acquisition software will allow students and teachers to track the data that each system is producing and incorporate this information into lesson plans. Students will share their knowledge with the community through outreach activities that show the benefits of using renewable energy resources.

More than 180 students will be involved in the project, which will be led by Technology Teachers Greg Grodem and Karen Armstrong and Science Teacher Jim Murphy.

According to their website, the ARC received 69 proposals for the grant funding. Recipients were selected by an independent review committee. Other organizations receiving grants included K-12 schools, vocational schools, community colleges, nonprofits and universities. Watkins Glen was the only K-12 school in New York State to receive funding.

Scrubby Bear visits Schuyler Head Start

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Nov. 2 -- Scrubby Bear recently visited Schuyler Head Start (right), a pre-school operation at the Schuyler County Human Services Complex.

Scrubby Bear is part of a personal hygiene program to teach children 4 to 7 years old how germs are spread, how to prevent the spread of disease and how to properly wash their hands.

Scrubby Bear is part of the Sullivan Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross. (Photo provided)

Winner in the Group category was Swine Flew.

WGHS shows its Halloween spirit

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 31 -- Dozens of students at Watkins Glen High School got into the spirit of Halloween Friday when they donned costumes and competed for honors at an annual competition in the Field House gym.

Several members of the faculty also competed as judges decided winners in Scariest, Funniest, Most Original and Group categories.

From left: Zach Dvornicky-Raymond, Jacq Goehner and Will Simiele competed in the Group category.

Wonder Woman and Batgirl were on hand.

The faceless and the defaced competed.

A long line of Watkins Glen High School girls enjoy the dancing at the Charity Ball.

Ball raises $1,000 in support of troops

Special to The Odessa File

HECTOR, Oct. 25 -- The Watkins Glen Interact Club hosted a Charity Ball at Logan Ridge Saturday, raising $1,000 to support our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Rotary-affiliated service club organized an evening of music, dance, hors d'oeuvres and fun. Inspired by club co-presidents Jenna Swarthout and Caroline Likoudis in honor of Make a Difference Day, the Club provided an evening where students exuded an atmosphere of goodwill.

With the girls dressed in gowns and the boys nattily decked out, the Watkins Glen student body danced to tunes provided by Odessa Interact President and DJ Anthony Curran. With a repertoire of songs that had the party-goers rocking until the lights went on, Curran was instrumental in the evening’s success.

The Club, said advisor Marie Fitzsimmons, "was awed by the generosity" of Logan Ridge Proprietor Chuck Kendall, an uncle of freshman class president Sarah LaMascus.

"Kendall had the fireplace glowing and the party lights twinkling," said Fitzsimmons, "as he graciously turned over the banquet facility to the Charity Ball."

Fitzsimmons said she and fellow Interact Advisor Nancy Loughlin were "overwhelmed by the generous support of the Interact families via ticket purchases, delicious foods, transportation, and cleanup. The students were thrilled to be in the elegant setting overlooking Seneca Lake, and simply had a ball!"

The next club event is its annual Interact Thanksgiving Dinner.

Photos in text:

Top: Marguerite Kellogg, left, and Rachel St. Julien dance to the music. (All photos provided by Marie Fitzsimmons)

Bottom: Interact Presidents Caroline Likoudis, left, and Jenna Swarthout. All proceeds will support our troops.

Left: Josh Langley. Right: Carter Flahive, left, and Connor Fitzsimmons on the balcony.

Students group dancing at the Charity Ball. (Photos provided)

Watkins Glen School Superintendent Tom Phillips, left, with State Education Commissioner Dr. David Steiner at the Harbor Hotel banquet Thursday night.

School conference features cruise, banquet, trade fair

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 24 -- The annual New York State Middle School Association conference -- paying a rare visit to the Southern Tier -- kicked off Thursday with a cruise aboard the Seneca Legacy and a banquet at the Harbor Hotel, continued with a Trade Fair and workshops Friday, and concluded Saturday with various meetings.

A highlight of the three-day gathering was the presence Thursday evening of new State Education Commissioner Dr. David Steiner, who arrived too late to participate in the cruise, but had plenty of time to mingle with conference attendees at the banquet.

The conference kicked into high gear Friday with dozens of presentations and workshops at Watkins Glen High School, where classes were called off for the day. A Trade Exhibit & Technology Fair was held in the Field House from 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

The entire event was co-chaired by Watkins Glen School Superintendent Tom Phillips, who told the banquet diners Thursday night that the conference couldn't have happened without a coordinated effort among business, schools and government.

And he reminded everyone that the "purpose of this event is about kids -- about caring about kids and doing what is right for kids. That's where our hearts are."

The banquet diners were welcomed to the Finger Lakes region in remarks by Assemblyman Tom O'Mara. Other notables on hand included County Legislature Chairman Tom Gifford and County Administrator Tim O'Hearn, Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce president Max Neal, Bradford School District Superintendent Wendy Field, and Watkins Glen School Board members Joe Fazzary, Gloria Brubaker, Robert Dill and Tom Richardson, along with Board President Brian O'Donnell

Dr. Steiner, who took over as Education Commissioner earlier this month, visited other points in the region Friday, including the Odessa-Montour School District and the GST BOCES campus.

Photo in text: Assemblyman Tom O'Mara welcomes the conference visitors during the banquet.

Left: Watkins Glen Middle School Principal Kristine Somerville at the banquet. Right: Schuyler County Administrator Tim O'Hearn and, behind him, County Legislature Chairman Tom Gifford enter the Harbor Hotel banquet room.

The Seneca Legacy approaches Seneca Harbor near the end of its conference cruise. About 190 people were on board. The banquet that followed at the hotel attracted 250 diners.

Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce President Maxine Neal with the New York State Education Commissioner, Dr. David Steiner, at the Harbor Hotel Thursday evening.

And earlier:

Here comes the conference

Middle School gathering is bringing 1,000 educators to our area

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 20 -- It has been in the planning stages for the past year and a half.

Watkins Glen School Superintendent Tom Phillips lobbied for it, and helped plan it, and has been worrying over it as though it were a child being born.

It is the New York State Middle School Association Annual Conference, centered at Watkins Glen High School and the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel this Thursday through Saturday.

Phillips, with a background laced with Middle School administration and a passion for all things educational, was proud when the conference was awarded to this area -- the first NYSMSA conference in the Southern Tier since just after the turn into the 21st century. And that last one was in distant Binghamton.

Phillips, as the Conference Chair, was touting the centerpiece of the conference during the most recent School Board meeting, held Monday evening, Oct. 19.

That centerpiece: the upcoming presence in Watkins Glen of the new State Commissioner of Education, Dr. David Steiner.

"I'm very excited," Phillips told the board. "This is a great opportunity for us. The fact that the Commissioner is coming speaks very highly of our region."

But the appearance of the Commissioner -- who also plans to visit the Odessa-Montour school, BOCES, and the Star-Gazette (for a talk with its Editorial Board) -- is only one facet of a very busy weekend.

The whole thing starts Thursday, when Dr. Steiner joins educators from around the state on a cruise aboard the Seneca Legacy before moving on to a social hour at the hotel. That in turn will lead to a banquet at which the Commissioner will speak "at 7 or 7:30," Phillips said. The keynote address will be delivered by Lea MacDonald, a middle school social studies teacher who has received numerous awards for her work with middle-level students and is the author of several articles on educating young adolescents.

Friday is a big day, what with the hundreds of conference attendees taking over the Watkins Glen High School, which is closed to classes for the day. The school will host a Trade Exhibit & Technology Fair in the Field House from 7 a.m.-3 p.m., and more than 100 workshops and presentations. A keynote presentation will be offered by Ed Gerety, a leading speaker and author on youth leadership in the United States.

The conference will continue Saturday morning with breakfast at the hotel, and "breakout sessions" on Middle Level leadership, curriculum and student support. Then it will all be over.

"I haven't been sleeping too much lately," Phillips told the School Board, noting that the conference "has been a long time coming. But we'll get there."

Watkins Glen schools closed on Oct. 23

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 20 -- There will be no school for students in the Watkins Glen Central School District on October 23.

District facilities will be used that day for the New York State Middle School Association (NYSMSA) conference.

Bradford school holds evacuation drill

Special to The Odessa File

BRADFORD, Oct. 19 -- Bradford Central School District students and staff participated in an
evacuation drill Monday.

The school was locked down around 1:30 p.m.

Students and staff were then evacuated by school bus to the Tyrone Fire Hall on Route 226 in Bradford.

All parents were notified by an automated telephone call.

Parents showing identification and signing out their children could pick up their children at the fire hall.

All other students were transported by bus from the fire hall to their regular destinations at the conclusion of the drill. Staff and students who drive to school were bused back to school for dismissal at the conclusion of the drill.

Students interview elders for Society's oral history project

The following was provided to The Odessa File by Jerry Smyder, Vice President of the Schuyler County Historical Society.

MONTOUR FALLS, Oct. 16 -- The Schuyler County Historical Society’s mission is to collect and preserve the history of Schuyler County for use by present and future generations. This year it has teamed up with faculty and student representatives of the Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour Central Schools to gather and document individuals' memories of the county and its residents in the form of oral histories.

Candidates being interviewed were selected from a list of several long-time residents of the area for their contributions to the community and knowledge of the county.

Jerry Smyder, Education Committee Chairman for the historical society, prevailed on Pat Wood, OMCS history teacher, Cathy Mangus, WGCS student coordinator and Maggie Edgley’s Video Production Class at WGCS to support the project.

The oral history interviews are being conducted by Middle School students who are members of the National Junior Honor Society in each district. To help jog memories, the interviewees were provided a list of subjects that would be covered by the students. The interviews are being recorded, and will be edited for clarity and published in booklet and other media formats for sale to the general public at the Brick Tavern Museum in Montour Falls. Proceeds from any sales will be used to help offset the cost of the project.

The students are asking the questions from a prepared script, and the interview subjects were encouraged to dialog freely with them. In addition to gathering valuable information from the seniors, the students are getting the opportunity to bridge several generations of Schuyler County and learn, in a one-on-one environment, from those who have experienced a period of history of their hometown.

The project will be completed during the 2009-2010 school year and, if successful, will become a model for similar joint projects in future years.

Editor's Note: A list of interviewees at the Watkins Glen Middle School and, in parentheses, the interviewers, was provided to The Odessa File. Most of the interviewers are 8th graders:

George Conklin (interviewed by Caitlin Connelly), Frank Steber (Matt Gill), Christine Cosgrove (Madison Gates), Alan Waite (Deven Bond), County Historian Barbara Bell (Corey Flahive), Marian Boyce (Megan Daigle), Mary Berry (Abbey Willis), Mary Bianco (Lindsey Suddaby), Judge William Ellison (Mitchell Mangus), Patricia Ellison (Samantha Gill), Jean Argetsinger (Brooke Grinolds), Julia Simiele (Alexis Gonzalez), and Mary Birge (Hannah Armstrong).

Questions have touched on age, place of birth, school attended, what the school was like, what life was like for teenagers years ago, how leisure time was spent, where families shopped, the primary mode of transportation, how world events like the Depression affected life in Schuyler County, what makes living in Schuyler special, memorable events, and advice for today's young people.

Photos in text:

Top: County Historian Barbara Bell was interviewed by Watkins Glen Middle School 8th grader Corey Flahive for the oral history project.

Bottom: Watkins Glen High School students take notes about historical photos on display at the school. The photos, some on loan from the Schuyler County Historical Society and some from the WGHS library media center collection, are part of an overall effort by the Historical Society and the school to contribute to the education of today's youth by providing historical artifacts and, thus, additional perspective. (Photo provided)

Lights On After School rally planned

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 15 -- The Watkins Glen Youth Center After School Program will sponsor a Lights On After School rally from 5-6 p.m. November 5 at the Watkins Glen Middle School.

Parents and family members are invited to enjoy fall snacks and learn about the program’s activities, students’ work and recent successes.

The Watkins Glen Youth Center, open every night after school until 5:30 p.m., is funded by a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant. It currently serves 85 students by providing homework assistance, mentoring, educational clubs, enrichment projects, field trips and recreation. The program is a collaboration between the Watkins Glen School District, GST BOCES and Catholic Charities of Schuyler County.

For more information about the Watkins Glen Youth Center, contact Erica Murray, Director of the Youth Center, at 607-742-9117 or emurray@watkinsglenschools.org

Glen 8th graders kick off ABL program

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 15 -- Eighth-grade students and teachers at the Watkins Glen Middle School started the school year by making a commitment to learning and to themselves as part of the Adventure Based Learning program (ABL).

This is the third year that eighth-grade students at the school will participate in this activities-based program, which teaches teamwork, problem-solving and self-esteem.

Grade-level teachers Ben Connelly and Barbara Bristow recently introduced some of the key components of ABL to students, including positive self-esteem, team building and resilience. Following the presentations, students signed a contract saying they were willing to challenge themselves and encourage others throughout the program.

“Often we forget that students are simply ‘kids’ who need to know that they are important, safe and capable,” said Billie Bauman, district administrator. “The adventure approach to learning gives them opportunities to interact with their peers and teachers in unique ways. They are challenged to do the best they can do, to help their fellow students and to challenge themselves to achieve their goals.”

During the past two years, the program was supported by the Triangle Fund Grant. This year, due to its success, the district has embedded the approach into its curriculum. Staff members have received training from BOCES for two years and have grown along with their students as they have participated in various activities, Bauman said.

Photo in text: Eighth-graders Gavin White and Erika Rhodes sign a contract, agreeing to challenge themselves and encourage others as they participate in Adventure Based Learning activities. (Photo provided)

From left: High School Principal Dave Warren, Michael Smiley, Amanda Lawson, School Board President Brian O'Donnell, Jordan Melveney and Superintendent Tom Phillips.

Tenacity pays off for 4

They graduate from WGHS by completing requirements at Summer School

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 1 -- It was a ceremony without an auditorium full of people, but the honorees and officials donned robes, family members were there to share the occasion, and the themes were upbeat: tenacity, pride and accomplishment.

It was Graduation Day at Watkins Glen High School Monday for four students who for one reason or another didn't complete their graduation requirements in time for the big year-end ceremony in June in the high school auditorium.

But as School Board President Brian J. O'Donnell, Superintendent Tom Phillips and High School Principal Dave Warren pointed out in brief speeches during a ceremony in the lobby area near the high school office, that should not be looked upon as a negative.

"I'm proud of your perseverance in ending your high school careers on a positive note," O'Donnell told graduates Amanda Lawson, Michael Smiley and Jordan Melveney. A fourth graduate, Lindsay Drake, could not be present. All four completed their graduation requirements during a regional Summer School conducted at WGHS.

"They didn't say 'I did my best and that's good enough,'" added Phillips. "They said 'I'm gonna stick around and give it a little more.' Sometimes that's the difference between success and failure."

"Even though this isn't a day in June," said Warren, "it's no less significant today. In fact, it's probably more significant. You had obstacles to overcome, and you did. We're proud of you It's better late than never. What you have done is an outstanding accomplishment."

This was an unusually high number of students to graduate this late, Warren said before the ceremony. "We usually have one, maybe two students who are a credit or two short" and make up that deficit in Summer School. "But I don't think this will be that unusual in years to come because of more stringent academic requirements."

After the official remarks and the presentation of diplomas, Lawson tossed her cap in the air and everyone sat down to a meal of sandwiches, chips and cake in the lobby.

Photos in text:

Top: Superintendent Tom Phillips, left, and High School Principal Dave Warren before the ceremony.

Bottom: From left: Principal Warren and graduates Michael Smiley, Amanda Lawson and Jordan Melveney.

.Link to Watkins Glen High School Library Media Center

http://www.watkinsglenschools.com/high/library/

Watkins Glen School Board

Meetings are generally held on the first and third Mondays of each month. Unless otherwise stated, Board of Education meetings are held in the Board Room at the high school, next to the guidance office, beginning at 6:30 p.m. (These are open meetings usually following a 5:45 p.m. Executive Session).

Residents of the district are invited to attend board meetings and observe the deliberations of the board.

Board members are as follows:

Thomas Richardson

119 Durland Place

Watkins Glen, NY 14891

535-7472

Brian J. O’Donnell, President

101 Willow Drive

Watkins Glen, NY 14891

535-4871

Joseph Fazzary

310 8th Street

Watkins Glen, NY 14891

535-2543

Michael D. Myers, Vice President

3650 Rose Lane

Burdett, NY 14818

546-5375

Gloria Brubaker

Watkins Glen, NY 14891

Kevin Field

Watkins Glen, NY 14891

Robert Dill

Old Corning Road, Watkins Glen

Each of the board's seven elected trustees serve three-year terms of office. The terms are staggered so two or three board members are elected each year.

An organizational meeting of the board is held each July. During this meeting, board
members elect a president and vice president.

Members serve on various board committees, including Personnel, Curriculum, Buildings and Grounds, Transportation and Finance. Much of the board’s work is done through these committees.

Link to Watkins Glen High School Library Media Center

http://www.watkinsglenschools.com/high/library/